To Martin Bucer - Martin Luther

TO MARTIN BUCER

Luther encloses this letter to the Swiss, and tells of Bugenhagen’s work in Copenhagen, where he acquired a warm friend in Herzog Albrecht of Prussia.

December 6, 1537.

Grace and peace in Christ! At last, dear Bucer, I have answered the letter of the Swiss which you gave me at Schmalkalden. Excuse the delay to them as best you can, for you know, besides the sloth of age, how the care of our Church rests upon me, as well as many hateful matters. I send you a copy of the letter, so that you may have the rudder to steer the ship. I have referred everything to you and Capito, else I would have had no reason for writing so lovingly as I have done; for you two have made it difficult for me to do so, as you told me my letter might reach the hands of some who were opposed to the Concord. But you will settle everything according to the gift that has been given you. I have at

least written openly and honestly. I do not approve so highly of the Latin Confession of the Swiss as of the German one of the towns, especially in the article of the sacrament of the altar. The other is well enough as the times go. Greet the honored Herr Dr. Capito from me, and all your people. Pommer is still in Denmark, and by the blessing of God is progressing favorably with his undertaking. He has crowned the King and Queen like a real bishop. He has also established a school, etc. Farewell in the Lord.

MARTIN LUTHER . (Walch, 21. 1284.)

The Imperial Chancellor Held, perceiving the Protestants’ zeal, thought it time for the Catholic Princes to act, so he managed to get Albrecht of Mayence, the Archbishop of Salzburg, the Dukes of Bavaria and Brunswick, Herzog George of Saxony, with the Emperor and his brother, to sign a treaty at Nurnberg to protect one another. The Protestants received the Margrave of Brandenburg, Henry of Saxony, and the King of Denmark into their bond. Luther published his Schmalkaldischen Articles in this year.